Sony HXR-NX100 Introduction Video

Sony HXR-NX100 Overview

The Sony HXR-NX100 is a camcorder geared towards professional photographers and videographers for recording events, seminars, lectures and even interviews. This handheld camcorder has features that can be attributed to its adaptability, high-quality performance and ease-of-use. This affordable and compact full HD camera belongs to the small sensor camera NXCAM line from Sony. The sensor is the 1.0-type with a set of manual controls, along with three independent manual control rings.

As for the lens, this camera has an integrated zoom lens and a Sony G lens with 12x optical zoom range as well as a 24x Clear Image Zoom feature. The body is not too big nor small, just enough to leave space for numerous buttons on one side of the camera for auto function and shutter, among others.

All is packed in a compact yet sturdy body. Designed to be an entry level professional camcorder, this camera is perfect for enthusiasts looking to invest in low-cost yet versatile equipment.

Design and Features

The Sony HXR-NX100 has a compact chassis that has been designed ergonomically for easy handling and control. Its size is ideal for mobility shooting and can be operated by a person single-handedly. The body of this handheld camcorder is designed with a 1.0 type Exmor R CMOS sensor with 14.2 million effective pixels. This sensor which is also backside illuminated has low light sensitivity since it is capable of allowing more light to come in.

Depth of field is also affected by the 1.0-type sensor while the G lens is a fixed and wide-angled type of 12x 29mm, with the optical zoom can reach up to 24x with Clear Image Zoom. It also has a Digital Extender function which can increase the range at up to 48x.

As for the three manual rings located at the lens, they are effective in coming up with smoother focusing, iris control and zooming. These rings also have another application, that is, to enable full-auto mode or maximum creative control manually. This camcorder has an ND Filter function and comes with built-in filters. There are four ND filter position options and the camera makes use of the AVCHD 2.0 codec for recording Full HD videos at 1920×1080 resolution. It also allows slow motion and quick motion recording, 2x and 60x, respectively. These are on top of the capability of the equipment for standard definition DV recording.

Meanwhile, there are also two card slots available, for SDHC/SDXC cards and the other one, for both Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDHC/SDXC cards. The two media slots can be used for both simultaneous or relay modes in terms of recording. The first mode allows for recording in both cards at the same time while the second mode allows recording from one card to the next for expanded recording. For easy access to the modes, there are two start/stop buttons found in camera. One is in the body and the other one in the grip.

For viewing subject and shooting scenes, the NX100 has an electronic viewfinder which is a 0.24 type with 1550k dots and complemented by a 3.5” 1550K dots display. Another feature is the hot shoe that is multifunctional that allows connection between audio accessories without the need for cables.

While 4K recording is not offered, this camcorder can record AVCHD and DV that are perfect for conventional workflow. Moreover, this equipment has XVAVC S 50Mbps that yields better image quality. Battery time, on the other hand can be for 345 minutes to 445 minutes for recording and playback, respectively.

Other features include a monaural speaker output, HDMI, audio and video outputs as well as a DC jack.

Pros and Cons

The HXR-NX100 is an entry-level professional camera that is compact, portable and affordable. It also has a long battery life that can last more than eight hours. For its category and price, there are dual XLR audio inputs and built-in omni-directional microphone that are appealing features. The price is also one of the positives of this camcorder, along with its easy-to-use functions.

As for the setbacks of buying this camcorder, it lacks 4K recording capability and other professional features such as timecode in/out and SDI. There is also a slight issue on its slowest zoom speed because it is still a bit fast.

Final Thoughts

For its price, the features, including size and weight makes the Sony HXR-NX100 a good investment. It takes high quality videos and works even in low light. It is a camera with no frills but with decent stabilization. Overall, this is a good and controllable HD camcorder that is priced sensibly.

Panasonic AG-AC30PJ Introduction Video

Panasonic AG-AC30PJ Overview

The AG-AC30 is an entry level full HD camcorder from Panasonic and was made available in August this year. Albeit it does not offer UHD or 4K recording and video recording is at its maximum at 1080p, it still boasts of features photography and video enthusiasts will find appealing.

This handheld camcorder comes with professional features and advance functionality with a promising 20X optical /40x super-high resolution zoom, paired with a wide-angled 29.5mm/F1/8 lens. Appropriate for web videos, exhibits, weddings and other activities, the Panasonic AG-AC30 also comes with a built-in LED light that makes shooting in low-light possible. This affordable, comfortable-to-use handheld camcorder offers good image quality and has long-life battery.

Design & Features

The Panasonic AG-AC30PJ was designed with the people on-the-go in mind, looking for a lightweight and compact camcorder. Strategically, the handle is also made of a sturdy and durable magnesium-alloy frame that makes it lightweight as well. It also sports a large hood for the lens for more effective lighting and flare reduction. At the same time, subjects can still be visible from behind the hood. The design and make of the body and handle ensure that these components are strong and have less weight.

For display, Panasonic designed the AG-AC30JP with a 3-inch LCD which is slide-retractable and also serves as a touchscreen panel for menu settings as well as a monitor for HD playback. Conversely, its 1.55 million-dot EVF is a tilting 0.24-inch viewfinder that adds to its convenience of use.

As for excellent audio recording quality, the camera has XLR audio inputs with two channels that allows for attachment of high-performance microphones. This feature also allows the user to connect microphones via a +48 voltage phantom power supply as well as an audio equipment with +4dB output. For connection to a display monitor, this handheld camcorder has an HDMI interface.

The optical zoom is magnified 20X while the 29.5mm lens is covered with a hood that that is large enough to capture a wide background and allow more people in the frame. The super-high resolution also allows users to capture images and record videos that are sometimes impossible to do.

Its sensor is a 1/3.1-inch Back Side Illumination (BSI) MOS that results to clear and bright images with high quality with 6.03M pixels even if taken with low light. Moreover, the speed of the sensor is fast that it is 1.5 times faster than the common speed. It was also designed with a built-in LED light that is capab;e of filter diffusion and color conversion. Its illumination is at a minimum of 300 lux that can reach up to 1 meter distance and is perfect for shooting at weddings and events held at night. Another notable feature of this equipment is noise reduction that results to vibrant full HD images and footages.

The multi-purpose and three-manual lens allows for fine tuning of focus as well precision in the illuminated Focus, Zoom and Iris rings. These rings are also capable of verifying recording and making the shooting process smoother with the light usable for tallying.

The Panasonic AG-AC30PJ also incorporates its AF feature with enhanced tracking, stability and speed while the camcorder is geared towards preventing blurred images and videos with its powerful 5-Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization System.

On the other hand, the focus assist functions are numerous and these include Focus Peaking, Area Mode and Focus Expand while other assist functions for professional or more advanced users include color bar monitor, zebra pattern and histogram display.

In terms of recording-related features, this camcorder is equipped with dual SD card slots and an interesting feature allows recording in both SD cards at the same time. This recording equipment also has Relay Auto Switch functionality for versatility. It allows back-up recording as well as switching from one card to the other if there is a need for expanded recording.

Other features of the Panasonic AG-AC30PJ include recording formats such as MP4 and MOV to 50 Mbps as well as AVCHD to SDXC cards at 28Mbps. It also has a 50Mb/s on-board codec.

Pros and Cons

The Panasonic AG-AC30PJ boasts of professional features in a compact yet powerful handheld camcorder. Its weight and design is ideal for people on-the-go. Its retractable and sliding LCD makes it possible for safer and more convenient shooting experience. This also allows shooting from different angles. Another interesting feature of this equipment is its ability to allow for recording simultaneously on two SD cards.

There are two cons that can be attributed to this camera. It is not capable of 4K recording as well as UHD and is only limited to 1080p that yields cropped and squeezed results.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Panasonic AG-AC30PJ is a good buy and is generally an affordable camcorder. It is also a powerful and compact device that can be used by professionals, from wedding shoots to interviews.

User Reviews

If you own the popular Panasonic AG-AC90 and are eager to upgrade it, or if you’re just looking for a camcorder that gives you great value for money, you won’t go wrong with choosing the Panasonic AG-AC30. This new camcorder might be classified as “entry-level”, but it’s actually packed full of features that both amateurs and professional videographers will appreciate.

Main Specs

The Panasonic AG-AC30 is built with a 1/3.1-type BSI sensor that has a resolution of 6.03M effective pixels. This is paired with an LED video light that has two filters: one that can soften the light source and another that can adapt color temperature. The camcorder’s sensor and filters — coupled with its manual rings that control the Zoom, Iris, and Focus settings — allow it to take clear and high-quality videos even in poorly lit conditions.

Aside from its excellent image quality, the AG-AC30 stands out from the crowd because of its wide focal range that lets you enjoy flexibility when shooting pictures. If you need to include a large number of people in the frame, for example, the camcorder’s 29.5mm wide angle allows you to easily do so. If you’d like to shoot a subject that’s several feet away, its 20x zoom and Intelligent Resolution technology let you capture the subject without destroying image resolution.

Convenient Shooting and Viewing

There’s no need to crimp your neck when shooting videos since the Panasonic AG-AC30 comes with a 1,555K-dot-equivalent color viewfinder that you can tilt at just the right angle. It also has a 460K-dot touch-operation LCD monitor that can be rotated 270 degrees, which means you can easily shoot high-angle and low-angle videos or even do self-interviews. The monitor can slide into the front handle when it’s not in use, which keeps it safe and ensures the camera stays portable at all times.

Endless Recording

A camcorder that can endlessly record videos has not been invented yet, but the Panasonic AG-AC30 comes close to making this a reality through its two SD card slots and dual recording functionality. Basically, when one SD card becomes full, the camcorder automatically switches to the second SD card and uses it to store data — all while continuing to shoot videos. The camcorder also does this if the first SD somehow crashes. This capability ensures that all your important moments will be recorded and that you won’t lose precious memories just because of a technical malfunction.

What happens if your second SD card becomes full, too? Well, there’s no need to worry since the AG-AC30 allows you to remove one of the cards and replace it with a blank one while the camcorder continues with the recording process. This functionality allows you to shoot videos for a long time — an important factor particularly if you work as a professional videographer and need to cover weddings, corporate events, and other occasions that last for hours.

Final Note

The Panasonic AG-AC30 will be available on September 2016, and it’s expected to be sold at around €1,600 or $1,700. It might seem pricey at first glance particularly for regular consumers but, if you’re a semi-professional or professional videographer, you’ll realize that it’s worth the investment considering its high-end features.

Startup company, Nicocam, is on a crowd funding website, Indiegogo, for what is perhaps the smallest VR camera to be launched, the Nico360. This camera will be equipped with two Sony sensors at 16MP and capable of capturing 25MP still images and 2560 x 1440/30 fps footage.

Nico360 Features

The Nico360 is a 360-degree camera that is also water resistant and compact. It is equipped with dual lenses located at the front and back for shooting form two directions simultaneously. It is also capable of live streaming the footage being captured via Bluetooth 4.0 or WiFi and be shared in Facebook and Nico360 Live.

As for video recording, this VR camera has four options to choose from. These are the Sphere Mode, Planet Mode, Sphere Mode and VR Mode. For panoramic shots, this spherical 3D camera is also capable of in-camera stitching. It also comes with F2 lenses that are wide-angled with a 195-degree (Field of View) FOV. Images can be saved as Adobe RAAW/DNG files or as JPEGs for easy post-production processing.

Being a 360-degree camera, content can also be created for stereoscopic VR headsets. It also comes with a ¼” mount and a slot for microSD cards. Apart from the availability of 32GB internal storage, the Nico360 comes with an integrated microphone in stereo.

The Nico360 has been designed with the outdoors in mind. For mounting on different devices, the Nico360 also has a screw mount located strategically at the bottom. It has several accessories including VR headset, extra battery, selfie stick, bike handlebar mount, flexible tripod mount, wrist strap mount, and head strap mount.

The Hong Kong-based startup says that the Nico360 funding campaign will be wrapping up soon and consumers can expect the camera to be shipped starting October.

If you’re new to the world of photography, you might not have heard of Hasselblad nor seen the cameras that it makes. But Hasselblad has actually been around for more than a century; it was founded by Victor Hasselblad in 1941 and has been making medium-format cameras since then. The company became even more well-known during the 1960s and 1970s, during which its cameras became a part of NASA’s Apollo program and were used by astronauts who reached the moon.

Hasselblad has come a long way since then. Just recently, the company has announced that they have developed the X1D, a camera that combines the efficiency of mirrorless technology with the portability of a digital medium-format camera. If you’re looking for a cam that takes high-quality pictures and can be lugged around virtually anywhere, the Hasselblad X1D is one of the best options for you.

Specifications

The Hasselblad X1D is a technological marvel: it comes with a powerful 50MP CMOS sensor that’s packed into a smaller body than what many 35mm cameras have. The sensor is paired with new XCD lenses (a 90mm f/3.2 lens and a 45mm f/3.5 lens), which offer excellent sharpness and have a compact build that matches the X1D’s slim body. The combination of a high-resolution sensor and advanced autofocus lenses means that the X1D can take clearer, sharper, and more detailed pictures compared with other cameras of the same size.

The X1D doesn’t stop there, though. It’s designed to have an ISO range of up to 25,600, which allows it to perform well and take highly detailed photos even when you’re shooting with the lowest of light. It also has an incredibly fast shutter speed that spans between 1/200th of a second and a full minute — giving you a wide range of photo-capturing options.

Other Features

Taking pictures is easy with the X1D since it has an electronic viewfinder. With a 2.4MP resolution, the EVF provides you with crisp, bright views no matter what the lighting condition. After taking your snapshots, you can easily view them through the camera’s 920K-pixel rear LCD, which has touchscreen capability and icon-based user interface that makes navigating settings easier.

The X1D takes both JPG and RAW files, which makes it ideal for photographers who like to do heavy post-production editing. It can also take HD (or (1920 x 1080p) videos, though it’s not primed for 4K recording. The camera comes with two SD card slots, so running out of storage space during a photography session isn’t a problem. Sharing your pictures and videos is a breeze since the Hasselblad X1D has Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, and Mini HDMI capabilities.

Body

The Hasselblad X1D has a compact body that’s smaller than a DSLR and weighs only 725 grams (its body plus its battery), which means it’s lighter than the average digital medium-format cameras. Its body measures 150 x 98 x 71 mm, so while you can’t slip into your jeans pocket, you can easily stash it in your purse or backpack. Made from durable aluminum, the camera is designed to be dust-proof and weather-proof, with O-rings in the ports to make them splash-proof.

Conclusion

The Hasselblad X1D packs a whole lot of punch in a small frame. If you’re looking for a powerful camera that’s highly portable and can be easily lugged anywhere, the X1D is a great option for you.

HumanEyes Technologies, Ltd. unveiled a new VR camera at The Cannes Film Festival that is capable of 3D, 360-degree content in real-time. This point and shoot camera will have an asking price of $799, relatively cheaper than other 3D VR cameras sold by Nokia and Google.

Vuze camera is compact with a size of 4.7 inches x 4.7 inches x 1 inch and is lightweight that it can fit inside most pockets. It also has a unique disc shape and eight Full HD cameras, at 1080p, which can record videos, images and sound simultaneously. Moreover, it boasts of 4K resolution 360-degree video capability that can be displayed from any 3D device, television or headset as well as any device with VR platform.

The cameras are strategically located, with two cameras on each side of the device and equipped with 120-degree horizontal /180-degree vertical fields of view. This also allows 360 video clips at 30fps in 4K resolution. Also, with the use of an app, it can be remotely controlled by the user. It also is compatible with PCs and Macs.

Another interesting feature of Vuze camera is its capability to do away with the complexities of post-production tasks since it can process video recordings with just a touch of a button.

Vuze camera is designed with two lenses on each side that it is capable of creating a stereoscopic image regardless of direction. Also, apart from footage processing that can be done in a minute, it also comes with Vuze Studio software that allows the user to export the video. This software also uses advanced stitching effects that will make stitching seams invisible on top of the editing tools and 3D effects that come with it.

Vuze camera is available in different colors and also comes with a tripod that can also be used as a selfie stick.

Multi-aperture computational camera L16 from startup company Light stirred excitement among photography enthusiasts last year when it was launched. This device boasts of 16 small lens and sensor modules which made it possible to create DSLR-quality images. Just a few weeks ago, an update from the company came out, which made the L16 a camera worth waiting for.

With the $30 million Light received in series C funding from Google Ventures, the company envisions to scale their global supply chain to deliver the increasing demand of consumers. Numerous improvements are to be expected by potential L16 owners.

What’s New?

For those who have pre-ordered the camera and future buyers, expect a larger storage capacity of 256GB from the original 128GB internal memory. What makes this upgrade perfect is that it comes with no additional cost to pre-order customers. However, it is still vague if this added storage capacity will be experienced permanently. In the meantime, Light ensures a limited supply of these built-in memory parts.

Meanwhile, the lens also underwent an upgrade from the previous plan of 35-150mm optical zoom equivalent to the now wider 28mm-150mm. This was to give more dramatic results for landscape, architectural and other photos, according to Light.

The L16 is a unique camera that is not only equipped with one lens but with 16 camera modules with 13 megapixels each. Conversely, these modules have different focal lengths with five 35mm, six 150mm and five 70mm lenses.

What makes this device more interesting is that it can take 10 photos all at once and stitch these images together to become a 52-megapixel composite image. This is made possible with software algorithms in which the camera breaks down the image into quadrants.

With these new upgrades, the $1,700 price tag of the L16 is not too much of a price to pay. And although it is said to be released in the early part of 2017, the excitement still continues.

GoPro has been the undisputed leader in the action camera market, but they might face tough competition with So Special Labs, a relative newcomer that has put out quite an impressive product to rival GoPro’s flagship action camera. The Mokacam’s selling points are not just its small size – therefore portability – and it’s really pocket friendly price tag. The 4K action camera is also packed with incredible features that may just interest users who are looking to get such a product but at a reasonably low price.

The features

Mokacam retails at $270, a price that is $200 less than the flagship 4K camera of GoPro. One other thing that So Special Labs’ product has got going is offers what’s lacking in its rival. For instance, the camera sports a 16-megapixel sensor whereas the GoPro Hero4 Black only has 12. In addition to that are a couple other features such as the capability to shoot 4K video at 25fps, hot-swappable magnetic batteries, software stabilization and motion detection.

So Special Labs takes “doing things better than you competition” at heart: the features of their Mokacam seem like improvements on the failures of their rivals, particularly GoPro. In a number of forums, you will most likely see complaints about the battery life and image stabilization of GoPro cameras, and you will see that Mokacam specifically addresses those faults.

With the hot-swappable batteries, users could – in theory – continue using the camera until the memory card is full. The battery is also features a magnetic back which allows users to mount the camera on metal surfaces without the need for accessories. Even better, the LCD screen doesn’t use the camera’s battery – it has its own.

The software side of the camera is equally impressive as well. While the stabilization feature of the iPhone 6 Plus is still the best, the Mokacam does a better job at it than its rivals. The Mokacam also comes with a motion detection feature which allows the camera to be used as a security camera or to shoot wildlife. It’s clear to see that So Special Labs is intent on addressing both hardware and software issues in order to please customers.

The Flaws

Given its outstanding features, there must be some flaws with the Mokacam, right? Well, the hot-swappable batteries can get knocked off during periods of activity and is particularly bad for a product aimed for use in “action” settings. The LCD screen is useful but its menu isn’t intuitive and the key features are difficult to find.

But bad qualities aside, we have to be reminded that Mokacam is a crowdfunded project and is the first released by So Special Labs. As such, they can be forgiven for gaffes in their action camera. But for customers who are looking for a 4K camera that takes high-quality photos and videos, is portable and is reasonably priced, the Mokacam is a good choice. But the Mokacam is quite frankly, not quite ready to be used as an action camera. Yes, it has high-end features and has a friendly price but it still needs work in order to truly compete.

From July 13 to 15 2016, Cobra Electronics (the leader in the design and marketing of marine, mobile an consumer electronics) and WASPcam (a maker of budget-friendly, high-performance HD action sports cameras and accessories for outdoor and marine enthusiasts) exhibited their full product series at ICAST 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The two companies showcased action and sports camera systems as well as marine radios at the Accessories Pavilion at the Orange County Convention Center.

What were the products on display?

Both companies exhibited their items at Booth #4070.

WASPcam

WASPcam is known for their line of rugged yet high-quality HD cameras as well as accessories which target lifestyles that are bold and spirited. The company put the following on display:

WASPcam 9906 CAMO – can record up to 1440p resolution and is targeted for outdoor activities. As its name suggests, it has a camo pattern exterior as well as mounts that were purposely built for its use in fishing and hunting expeditions.

The three WASPcam boast of one common amazing feature: waterproof down to 98 Feet or 30 meters even without a case. Other features include a 1.5-inch LCD live viewing screen, a LED safety light, high-quality frame rate, incredible resolution and an impressive lineup of mounts and accessories. Of the three items, the 9905 is the only one available in the market with a retail price of $229.99 while the 9906 CAMO and the 9907 4K will be released in August and prices will range from $279.99 to $329.99.

Cobra Electronics

At the event, Cobra exhibited their family of handheld and fixed-mount radios, equipment that are necessary for the safety of boating enthusiasts. Here’s a list of products they put on display:

Handheld radios: MR HH350(W) FLT, MR HH450 DUAL/CAMO and MR HH500 FLT. All of these come in a bright orange design to make it easier for retrieval when dropped, have Bluetooth and Rewind-Say-Again technology. The MR HH500 allows for making and taking phone calls through its Bluetooth Wireless smartphone connectivity. All of these area available and retail at $129.95 to $149.95.

Fixed mount radios: MR F45-D, MR F57 and MR F77. All have these sport new fixed mount designs and come in two color options. Not only that, they also feature state-of-the-art GPS capabilities and NOAA weather channels. The radios also alerts uses when there is threatening weather. The F45-D is a digital selective calling model allowing users to send distress signals with just a touch of a button. The F57 is ready for plug-and-play GPS connection while the F77 has a built-in GPS receiver that alerts users of other vessels in the area as well as displays information on the area the user is in. These products are available in the market and range from $129.95 to $179.95.

Action camera giant GoPro has been leading the 4K camera market for some time now. However, it seems that its status as a leader will be tested with the arrival of the YI 4K Action Camera.

Although marketed under the YI brand, this new camera is actually a device from Chinese tech company Xiaomi, which has become known for offering excellent smartphones and tablets that can compete with higher-end brands like LG, HTC, and Samsung. With Xiaomi’s success in the mobile device market, it’s expected to perform great in the camera niche through the YI 4K Action Cam.

This new YI camera is actually a second-generation model. First generation units were released in the US in the later part of 2015, but they were not able to make a huge splash. Fortunately, the team behind Xiaomi didn’t let this dampen their spirits, and they instead upped their efforts to create stronger and better camera.

Their efforts haven’t gone to waste since they’ve been able to create a 4K action camera that can compete with industry leaders like GoPro. In fact, the YI 4K Action Cam has several features that are in par with the GoPro HERO4 Black. These two cameras both have an Ambarella processor (an A9 for the HERO4 Black and an A9SE for the YI) and a Sony-made CMOS sensor (an IMX 117 for the HERO4 Black and an IMX 337 for the YI). They can also both record 4K videos at 30 frames per second as well as 1080p videos at 120 fps and 720p videos at 240 fps. Both of them even have photo functions and time lapse video capabilities.

But what sets the YI 4K Action Camera apart is the set of features that the GoPro HERO4 Black doesn’t have. It might seem surprising that the new YI cam has something that’s not present in the well-established HERO4 Black, but the fact is that Xiaomi’s new action camera has a few tricks up its sleeve. One of these is its 1,400 mAh battery, which will reportedly allow the YI Action Cam to record 4K videos for 120 minutes straight — almost twice the 65-minute battery life of the HERO4 Black.

The YI 4K Action Camera also has a built-in 2.190-inch LCD screen with retina display and touchscreen capacity, which lets you view the videos you’ve recorded right away. This isn’t the case with the HERO4 Black since you’ll have to purchase a separate accessory if you want to view your photos and videos. In terms of expandable memory, the YI 4K Action Cam can accommodate a 128GB microSD card, allowing you to shoot and store a substantial amount of videos.

With all these exciting features, it’s easy to conclude that the YI 4K Action Camera will be as expensive as its GoPro counterpart. Surprisingly, it’s not. Its retail price is only $249, which is half of the $500 price tag of the HERO4 Black. It’s also available in a $279 package, which includes the camera along with a selfie stick and a Bluetooth remote. However, if you’ve bought last year’s YI cam, there’s no need to buy new accessories since the second-gen camera is backward-compatible with first-gen mounts, housings, and selfie sticks.

Whether you’re a die-hard Fujifilm fan who’s been looking forward to the X-T1‘s successor or just a regular photography enthusiast who’s shopping around for a new gadget, you’ll want to know about the X-T2 4K Mirrorless Camera. This new product from Fujifilm is set to be one of the best mirrorless cams in the market because of its overhauled features that are paired with a sleek retro design.

Internal Specs

Through the X-T2 4K Mirrorless Camera, Fujifilm has been able to prove that it has come up with key technological developments in the two years since the X-T1’s release in 2014. The X-T2 is built with a 24.3 megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor, which is 8 megapixels bigger than the X-T1’s sensor and allows the newer model to take clearer and more detailed pictures.

The X-T2 4K Mirrorless Camera also comes with an X-Processor Pro processor, which provides 325 autofocus points and 91 zone focusing points to create a fast and highly accurate autofocus system. The camera doesn’t have a low-pass filter, which means it has the ability to shoot sharper photos that are on par with DSLR-taken pictures.

Video Capabilities

The features above prove that the X-T2 4K Mirrorless Camera is a master in taking high-quality still shots. But what about video? Well, the camera doesn’t disappoint since, as it name implies, it has 4K recording capability at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second. Unfortunately, it can shoot only 10 minutes of 4K videos, which is considerably less than what mirrorless cameras in the same price range are capable of.

Still, all hope is not lost since tech experts believe that the X-T2’s 4K video recording capability can improve with firmware updates in the future. For the meantime, if you want to record longer videos, you can shoot them in 1080p (which can produce 15 minutes’ worth of videos) or in 720p (which can lead to 30-minute long videos).

Exterior Design

The X-T2 4K Mirrorless Camera has kept the weather-resistant magnesium-alloy body as well as the trademark retro design of the X-T1. So, if you’re a fan of the vintage look or are searching for a weather-sealed camera that you can take anywhere (or both), you won’t go wrong with choosing the X-T2. The camera’s design is ergonomic and follows Fujifilm’s principle of keeping important buttons and dials within easy reach. This means that, if you’ve owned Fujifilm cameras in the past, your hands won’t find it hard to adjust to the X-T2’s body and controls.

Other Features

To make taking pictures easier, the X-T2 comes with an OLED electronic viewfinder that has a 2.36-million dot resolution and can display a maximum of 100 frames per second. It also has a three-inch tilting LCD screen, which unfortunately isn’t touchscreen-capable but is big enough to let you easily view the photos and videos that you’ve taken.

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Final Note

All in all, the Fujifilm X-T2 4K Mirrorless Camera is one of the best mirrorless cams you can buy on the market today. It’s not cheap, though: the body alone costs $1,600, while a kit with the XF 18-55mm lens costs $1,900. You can also pay an additional $329 for an external grip, which provides two additional batteries and allows the camera to take longer 30-minute 4K videos. Despite the price tag, the X-T2 can be a good investment particularly if you’re serious about photography and want to take clear, sharp, and highly detailed pictures.

Lots of fans are beginning to lose their patience regarding the expected release of the GoPro Hero 5. This began in 2015 when the company was expected to release the next generation camera. However, GoPro still has to provide more information regarding its release date and development.

GoPro Hero 5 Rumors

Rumors say that the new model will come out more convenient and lighter than its predecessor. Also, the new action camera from GoPro will come rolling with great features and impressive specifications. This was intended to make the company retain its record as the best manufacturer in the industry.

Here are some of the rumors that came from reliable sources.

To Be Released in 2016

Despite speculations that it will follow the GoPro Drone Karma’s release date, the Hero 5 has been expected to be out later in 2016. Some say that both models will debut as a bundle. But the company has not yet commented on these rumors.

To Focus on Specific Market

Accordingly, there were reports saying that it will focus on the athletic community. Likewise, it will come out on a simpler design even if the GoPro Hero 5 is already considered an updated version. Hence, the fact that it will be for the athletic community, the size is expected to be significant.

Will Come Out to Save the Company

The unexpected delay of the Karma Drone’s release was said to be the reason why the stock prices went down. The upcoming release of the Hero 5 was reported to be the solution to this dilemma. So they are trying to ensure that they can offer the fans with the ultimate action camera as if they have nothing to lose releasing a device which could potentially fail.

Expected Features

Accordingly, the largest improvement to the new GoPro Hero 5 is the ability to capture video with resolution of up to 8K at 30 frames per second. On the other hand, it will be able to capture 4K video at 60fps as well as 1080p at 240fps. Moreover, this action camera will pack an advanced processor and an A10 chip.

The company said that the GoPro Hero 5 will be released with features that haven’t been seen from previous releases. Nevertheless, these claims made by GoPro are considered unofficial yet. So until they come up with an official statement about the development, these are all just speculations and rumors that can ruin the expectations of the fans. But remember, it is not a good idea to disappoint the fans, is it?